Police fears after weapons found at eco protest camp

Police are "very, very worried" about the intentions of a number of ecoactivists after weapons were found at an environmental protest camp.

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Beautridge said today that he believed around 150 of the 1,000 protesters expected to amass at the Camp for Climate Action site near Hoo, Kent, by the end of the week had "sinister" intentions.

Following a number of seizures and arrests last night, Mr Beautridge said: "I would suggest that a minority of people had the intention of causing harm to police officers, and possibly to the horses or dogs that we are using."

Among the items found hidden in the trees and undergrowth was a 15in knife, a pointed throwing star and chains.

Police believe they were planned to be used on Saturday, when the protesters have vowed to "shut down" Kingsnorth power station.